BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Evening Star, Issue 3782, 8 April 1875, Page 3

BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.

Christchurch, April 7. In the Provincial Council, last night, the auditor’s report was laid on the table and found to practically confirm the statement of the Se cretary of Public Works as to the profit of the railways. This removes all grounds from under the feet of those who have so loudly declaimed against the management of the railways during the past nine months ; and the ‘ Press,’ which attacked the Secretary of Works by a series of strong articles charging him with maladministration, publishes an apology this morning. The article commences by saying ; “We publish in another column the report of the Provincial Auditor on the i ail way accounts, and it has occasioned us the greatest possible surprise. We admit, without hesitation, it establishes beyond dispute, from a quarter whence we had every reason to expect a verification of the statements we have published and a justification of our strong animadversion on the railway management of Mr Maude, the fact that we have been misled into a wrong course of criticism, and into doing a great injustice to that gentleman and his colleagues in the present Executive. Before writing one word of explanation of the attitude we have taken, we wish most unreservedly to withdraw the charge we wade against Mr Maude of having brought by maladministration the railways of the Province from a state of prosperity to one of_ insignificant value. We are sincerely grieved at having been so mistaken, and can only hope that neither Mr Maude nor public works nave been embarrassed, and that his feelings have been hurt by what we frankly own to have not been nnjust criticism on our part.”

April 8. In the Provincial Council last night the Secretary of Public Works made a long statement respecting the working of the railway.", which was deemed highly satisfactory. The * Lyttelton Times ’ this morning s'vys while the apology in yesterday’s ‘ Press ’ re the railways 1 was very complete, a little more care would have saved that paper the bitter mortification of having cause to publish it, and urges on the Government to make a thorough investigation as to who supplied the information to the | Press.* The ‘Times’ says it was supplied in a most unwarrantable manner by some official, and the public interest demands a thorough investigation. Mr Montgomery, President of the Executive, obtained leave in the Provincial Council last night to introduce a Bill for making over certain license fees and dog taxes to the municipalities and road board districts within whose boundaries they are collected. A large and influential meeting of the citizens was held last night to support the action of the City Council in applying to the Provincial Council for a grant in aid and for the license fees. The meeting was very unanimous. The necessity for numerous works and. drainage being carried out was strongly argued. Professor Bickcrton, speaking of the sanitary condition of the city, said the far-famed 900 stinks in Cologne were nothing compared with the number to be found in Christchurch.

Last night the Jockey Club cousidered the action of the Dunedin Jockey Club with reference to M‘Kay’s riding of Medora at the late Dunedin races, and resolved “ that W. M‘Kay be warned off the Christchurch course, that no horses ridden by him, his property, or nominated or trained by him, or in any way under his care or joint care, manage ment, or superintendence, be allowed to run for any race at any meeting where the rules of racing established by the C. J.C. are in force.”

Wellington, April 8. Sudden and sweeping changes have been made in the ‘ New Zealand Times.’ Several members of the staff have received notice, and several new hands have been introduced, and it Is generally understood that a complete reorganisation is to be effected in all the departments. The following leaderette appears in the b>ew Zealand Times’ this morning:—“Mr Millar, F S.A , has been arpointed Provincial Surveyor and Engineer-in-Chief of Nelson. We think that Province is to be congratulated en the appointment, as Mr Millar is not only thoroughly competent, but brings to the discharge of his duties an energy and zeal which few men possess in a like degree. It is understood that Nelson is about to undertake dock and harbor improvement werks, and for this purpose , a considerable loan has been authorised, and we can conceive no more legitimate undertaking by the Provincial authorities of Nelson than the construction of a dock and improvements of their main harbor. The importance of employing a thoroughly qualified engineer must be apparent when it is remembered that there is no Admiralty supervision, as at Nome, to prevent the construction of bady designed works, which might, in course of time, injure the harbor. Everymust depend on the scientific knowledge and practical experience of an engineer, and in the case of Nelson, with its narrow and intricate entrance, any mistake might be fatal to the port. We are pleased, therefore, to think that the Nelson Provincial Government have determined to put their harbor works under the charge such an admittedly able engineer as Mr Millar, who has declined very much more lucrative offers by the Govern- r of the Straits Set tlements—Sir A. Clarke- himself one of the foremost engineers in the Imperial service.”

■ n, .* . , , Auckland, April 7. A Waikato telegram announces that Captain Morrison has just arrived to take charge of the •Waikato District, Major Clare having been suspended for allowing Captain Northcraft, A.C., to get through the King country en route for Taranaki, the Maories having sent Captain Northcraft back. Captain Northcraft was also suspended for attempting it. The Supreme Court criminal session closed to-day, being one of the shortest sessions for years. Judge Gillies despatches business with great expedition. All the oases to day were charges of theft. {From our own correspondent^) _, .. Queenstown, April 8. 1 believe the Shotover Company’s inspectors will recommend an increase of capital, and the washing away of the terraces by sluices, which is the best plan, and is endorsed by every miner. The increased capital will be raised by preference shares.

Auckland, April?. A newspaper discussion is proceeding relative to the wisdom of importing an Orange institution into the Colony. Mr J, M, Daigaville ydm is a candidate for election for city west in the Assembly and a former candidate for the Supenntendercy, writes to-night declaring that r Tv? P to bold the office of Grand Master of New Zealand, and declares that since the society has been established at the Thames and Coromandel goldfields rowdyism there has been put down.

m AVI Christchurch, April 7. The Ashley railway bridge was tested yesterday by Mr Tnphook, engineer to the General Government. The test consisted of pushing trucks containing thirty tons of metal over the bridge. The engine also took a number of trucks across, running a distance of 3,060 ft in one minute and a quarter. The trial is considered highly satisfactory. In the Provincial Council to night the Secre tary of Public Works will make a statement relative to the present position of railways on the motion for going into Committee of Supply It is expected that an important debate will result.

In the Supreme Court, Fowler, the runholder charged with sheep stealing, was acquitted without the jury leaving the box. At the Acclimtaisation Society’s meeting yesterday, a resolution was carried that a deputation should wait on the Superintendent and Executive and urge upon them the utility of placing a sum of L 2,000 on tbs estimates fot acclimatisation purposes. The Clara-Christian second entertainment was very successful. Mr and Mrs Hoskins ar< also drawing well.

m, , . . Wellington, April 8. ♦La tt . I “J, car ri a ge of the 9.15 train, from ♦nLSiVv. m . ornin g. got off the rails. For i trai l? J?™ approaching the static;. sl ? w at the . time, or the consequence* Slf nf been rr 8 v eriotl3 ’ «■ the carriage was ?o| le. Tbc. signalman, observing the accident, signalled the driver to stop, which was done m time to avoid serious damage. The Bem “ t oi ,be «“• &